In his breathing days, Iron John was a notorious pirate. He was known under several names over his career, but Black Beard was his most well known. During his life he raided, drank, and gambled his way through most of the English coast. This brought him the hatred of the fine English sailing men that did their best to protect the citizens from the likes of John. In a fearsome battle John's ship was sunk off the coast of England. Like a true ships captain he saw that his men got off the boat before it sank with him in it.

 John's lust of life and hatred of the English sailing fleet turned him into a wraith. It has been many years since his death. His name still carries fear amidst the ghosts of the Hierarchy. At the same time John has risen in the ranks of the Hierarchy to become ship captain once again.